Ajit Bhalchandra Agarkar was born on December 4, 1977, in Mumbai, India. Raised in a cricket-loving family, he developed an early passion for the sport. Agarkar attended St. Xavier’s High School in Mumbai, where he honed his cricketing skills. His natural talent and dedication led him to represent Mumbai at various age-group levels, eventually making his debut for the senior team in the 1996–97 season. Agarkar’s breakthrough came when he became the youngest Indian to take 50 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs), achieving this feat at the age of 23.
Ajit Agarkar is known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing acumen. Off the field, he leads a private life, focusing on family and personal interests. Agarkar has been an advocate for fitness and has incorporated Pilates into his routine to maintain his health and athletic abilities. His disciplined approach to fitness and his analytical mindset have contributed to his success both as a player and in his post-retirement roles.
Ajit Agarkar married Fatema Ghadially in 2002. Fatema, an educationist by profession, is the co-founder of KA EduAssociates, a Mumbai-based sports education firm for children . The couple has a son named Raj. They are known for their close-knit family and maintain a low-profile lifestyle, often spending quality time with friends and family.
Agarkar’s domestic career began with Mumbai in the 1996–97 season. He played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s success, including their 40th Ranji Trophy title in the 2012–13 season . Known for his pace and ability to swing the ball, Agarkar was a key figure in Mumbai’s bowling attack. He also represented Middlesex in English county cricket, further honing his skills and gaining international experience.
Ajit Agarkar made his ODI debut for India in 1998 against Australia. Over his career, he played 191 ODIs, 26 Tests, and 4 T20Is for India. In ODIs, he took 288 wickets, making him one of India’s leading wicket-takers in the format. He was known for his aggressive bowling and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2003 Test series against Australia, where he took 6 wickets for 41 runs at the Adelaide Oval .
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 26 | 46 | 4,857 | 2,745 | 58 | 47.33 | 3.39 | 83.74 |
| ODI | 191 | 188 | 9,484 | 8,021 | 288 | 27.85 | 5.07 | 32.93 |
| T20I | 4 | 3 | 63 | 85 | 3 | 28.33 | 8.10 | 21.00 |
Ajit Agarkar’s Indian Premier League (IPL) journey began in 2008 when he was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders. He played for KKR for three seasons before moving to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2011. Throughout his IPL career, Agarkar was known for his all-round abilities, contributing both with the bat and the ball. He played a total of 42 matches in the IPL, taking 29 wickets with a best bowling figure of 3/25 .
Man of the Match in a Coca-Cola Champions Trophy match against Sri Lanka in 1998, where he took three crucial wickets .
Part of India’s 2007 ICC World Twenty20-winning team, contributing with both bat and ball.
Fastest Indian to take 50 wickets in ODIs, achieving this milestone at the age of 23.
Leading wicket-taker for India in ODIs during the early 2000s.
Chief Selector, BCCI Senior Men’s Selection Committee since 4 July 2023.
Under his leadership, India has achieved significant milestones, including reaching the ODI World Cup Final, winning the T20 World Cup, clinching the Champions Trophy, and historic success at Edgbaston.
At a recent charity event, Yuvraj Singh emphasized that “Agarkar and Gambhir don’t get enough credit when the team does well”.
He played a key role in structural changes, such as appointing Shubman Gill as Test captain ahead of the England tour, and rational medicine of pacing load on Jasprit Bumrah.
Agarkar led thoughtful discussions on retirements of Ranji stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin—reflecting on India’s transition in Test cricket
